June 2009 Archives

THE family of a man who died in a motorbike accident have paid tribute to the loving father and husband who always had a smile on his face.

Spencer Gibbons, 38, of Clyfford Road, Ruislip Gardens, died in Dawley Road, Hayes, at about 6.20am last Wednesday (24).

He was on his way back to work at Hendricks Lovell, a building material distributors in Dawley Road, when he was involved in a crash with two cars.

His wife of 15 years, Sharon Gibbons, 38, said: "Everyone will remember him for his big cheesy smile and his infectious laugh. He was very easy going and didn't take anything too seriously."

The motorbike fanatic had two sons, Jack, nine, and Alfie, four, and the family had a holiday booked to go to Disneyland Resort Paris next month.

Mrs Gibbons added: "He was an absolutely lovely father and he was a big Liverpool FC fan too."

Flowers have also been laid at the crash scene along with a Liverpool FC scarf and messages from his friends and family.

One message read: "My darling brother I love you with all my heart. Sweet dreams. Love you always and forever. Sammie."

Another said: "Spencer, life is so unfair. A lovely guy with a great smile and personality. A great loss to your family. In our thoughts."

A few of his friends have also emailed the Gazette to pay tribute to him.

Paul Shelford said: "I worked with Spencer and have to say I was deeply shocked and upset at the news. Such a nice bloke and a great dad. All of us at Skyline Roofing will miss him dearly. Hope he rests in peace."

The funeral is being held at Breakspear Crematorium, in Breakspear Road, Ruislip, at 3pm on Friday (3).

Anyone who witnessed the crash should call the Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8998 5319 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

AN ANNUAL fayre is being held in aid of Harlington Hospice to help celebrate its 25th anniversary.

A variety of attractions are being organised for this year's Village Fayre In The Garden in the hope it will attract scores of people to help raise funds for the hospice.

Sheree Reynolds, community fundraiser, said: "This is a very special time for us as we are also celebrating our 25th anniversary, and this year we are pulling out all the stops to make the fayre one to remember."

Some of the attractions on the day will include beauty taster therapies, numerous stalls, fancy dress, cake competitions, and many other children's rides and games.

There will also be a visit from the Harlington Locomotives Society and appearances by the Phoenix Jazz Band and Live2Jive Rock N Roll dance group.

Hot beverages and food will also be on sale throughout the evening.

All proceeds raised will go towards the £1m a year Harlington Hospice needs to provide quality care to its patients.

The event kicks off at Lansdowne House, in St Peter's Way, Harlington, from 5.30pm until 8.30pm next Friday (19).

A GRANT of £40,000 has saved a charity which helps young people find employment from the threat of closure.
The P3 Job Shop which runs in Station Road, Hayes and High Street Yiewsley was due to close down both its branches on June 1 but thanks to Hillingdon Council's support it can continue for the next six months whilst it tries to raise more funding.
The organisation helps people between 16 - 25 to find work, giving support to youngsters with few qualifications as well as those who are homeless, drug addicts, asylum seekers and clients with language barriers. It also provides accommodation having three hostels in the borough. Over the last year the P3 Job Shop has helped more than 120 people.
The grant was approved by Hillingdon Council at their Cabinet meeting on Thursday (May 28).
Ray Puddifoot, leader of the council, said: "I received an email from the P3 Job Shop last week saying they are closing and that they would be making redundancies from June 1.
"They were getting funding from The London Development Agency, but this stopped on March 31. The organisation had been looking for funding from other sources but with no success.
"We have given them the grant because we felt it was important for us to help them because the work that they do is vital particularly at a time of recession when jobs aren't easy to come by."
Mr Puddifoot explained it was possible to provide the funding because the council have a contingency fund of £700,000 to deal with issues like this.
Neelam Challoner, manager at the branch in Hayes, said: "We're grateful to the council because they helped us at the last moment, to do what we do best which is helping other people to get into work.
"We are now putting a bid for Hillingdon Community Trust for £40,000 so that we can continue for a year."
She explained keeping the Job Shop going is really important because it's giving a future to young people.
She added: "We don't just help people by looking at their CV and improving their practical skills but we also look at issues such as confidence and motivation as well."

A POUNDSHOP will be replacing the site where Woolworths used to be in Hayes bringing 30 new jobs to the area.
The 99p Store is due to open in Station Road on Tuesday (June 9) being the 84th store the company has.
The shop will offer a range of goods including food, cosmetics, garden items and fancy gifts.
Hussein Lalani, commercial director of 99p Stores, said: "The public are flocking to our store. Gone are the days when there was a stigma to bargain brands."
The brand expects massive queues at the opening and has requested a "friendly" police presence.
For more information visit www.99pstoresltd.com.

A WOMAN in her 20s was taken to hospital as a priority after a crash in Hayes.

The London Ambulance Service were called to North Hyde Road at 12.40pm yesterday (Mon).

The woman had been hit by a car and was taken to Hillingdon Hospital.